Manchester United academy prospect Joe Rothwell recalled from Barnsley loan due to illness

Manchester United youngster Joe Rothwell has been forced to cancel his loan spell at Barnsley due to tonsillitis, both clubs have confirmed. The Premier League outfit sent the 20-year-old midfielder to the League One side – along with fellow academy graduate Ben Pearson – on a six-month deal.

Rothwell made six appearances for Lee Johnson's side in the opening weeks of the campaign, including three as a starter, but has been out of action since early September while battling with tonsillitis.

"Manchester United have recalled midfielder Joe Rothwell from his loan spell at Barnsley. The 20-year-old has been suffering from tonsillitis and has, subsequently, returned to the Aon Training Complex," the club announced on its official website.

"Rothwell made six appearances in total for the Tykes and was an unused substitute in Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Crewe Alexandra. Barnsley have thanked Rothwell for his services and wished him a speedy recovery."

The England Under-20 international, who first joined the United academy in 2001, had a difficult stint with Blackpool at the end of last season – making just three appearances for the troubled side before his move was also cancelled.

However, United have confirmed that Pearson will continue his spell at Oakwell, where he has become a key part of the side. The 20-year-old, who also starred for the Tykes last year, has started all eleven league games so far this campaign, as well as appearing in the Capital One Cup clashes with Scunthorpe and Everton.